January Elections: Get To Know Fort Lauderdale City Commission Candidate Michael Ferber

On January 31, 2012, residents in the City of Fort Lauderdale will vote for more than just a Presidential candidate. They will be picking a new city commissioner in District 2. The current commissioner is Democrat Charlotte Rodstrom. She has a Republican challenger in Michael Ferber.

Mr. Ferber has served on several important city boards such a planning and zoning and the Community Redevelopment Agency advisory board. He was formerly the President of the Flagler Heights civic association. Ferber has been recognized as a Libertarian office holder as well (click here for link)

Tim Smith, a former Fort Lauderdale commissioner, interviewed Ferber on his blog. Here are some of Ferber’s answers:

“1.) What made you run? … What makes you feel the current Commissioner, Charlotte Rodstrom, needs to be replaced?….

Ferber’s answer …

I feel like Noah of the Old Testament, I see a financial flood for the City coming. We’re not prepared. I respect all the members of the Commission ( I’ve enjoyed a friendship with Jack Seiler, Charlotte Rodstrom, and Bruce Roberts for ten years or more). Commissioner Rodstrom has opposed budgets and I applaud that. Nevertheless, a culture of “play along to get along” exists. They’re kicking the financial can down the road. We need to be brutally honest in our budget process. I won’t hesitate to speak the harsh truth to citizens.

2.) What would your agenda be once you become Commissioner…

Ferber’s answer ….

Economic vitality secures our families and neighborhoods. Private sector commerce is the lifeblood. Despite years of talk about “right-sizing”…… the scope of City government grows. As a resident since 1971, I recall when Fort Lauderdale ran a very tight financial ship. I would seek to limit the activities of the City government to the essential tasks that it alone can perform. I would seek to eliminate many “bells and whistles”. I respect the City workers who are represented by unions, however, I will not seek any union endorsements as this creates a conflict.”

Check out the blog for more questions and answers.

So tell all your friends in Fort Lauderdale District 2 to pay attention to this important local race. These local races affect your pocketbooks, your property values and your way of life.

Democrat Charlotte Rodstrom shouldn’t get a free pass when 1000s of Republicans vote on January 31. Send a clear message to the well-connected and powers-that-be in downtown. You’re mad as hell and you’re not going to take it anymore.

Published by Tom Lauder

Covering South Florida Politics Since 2010...As Seen On: POLITICO, The Huffington Post, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Miami Herald, WPLG LOCAL 10 (ABC MIAMI), The New Times
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